?'<& 



c 



<c ^ 

.«rc. «£ 






vi Vc <<< 

r <X«: S C 

V .SY^CC C V 



C£^ V 



< <c c 

c 
C t 

-fes <rr"- 
c§ cc>\ 



cc «C 








t '-.V ^*- 


£" 


r<<rCT? 


r~ 


C ^S 


^"_ 


■f'C <= c 


j^ 


( <si 


<^ 


<<x <.« 


c: 


1C ££ 


«: 


« ^ 5 


£ 


£#?< 


«1 


S8E 


•< 
< 


. cr<r 


< 

c 




c 


6 <Td « 


c 


rOg 


c 


cc & 


x 


CC C 



" 4Cf< CA 

( c < 

.( c <r 

i (i 

' ( c 

■i: c: a c ^ ■■ J- 5 



cccc 



c C< 
-«lc*c 



< • 

co 

ex: 

CO 

3 CO 

?< ccf 



CCCX 

"cccc- 
c< ^x: 
C« <■'"■ 



. cc<x 

c 



^4 

€3. ^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



PRESENTED BY 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



C 

: aC- 



< GCC- 






*S 




ci: 

1 CT C Y 

<L cC *^ 

<icxc * 

CC'C, 

ccc 

« «scrc ^ 
C ■ *£~\: 
7 a «C gi '■. . 

■ : ; 4 

rcc< *£ i 
^9 ^> 



^c:kc, r m< 
i <i:cc a ^* 

CCCC^C ( ;^ 



"'<'C'«. C<5 



^ . 1. 

CC 

, <C ' 

9i 



CC( c^ <-' 
CC- «<< cc 

cc ^%c<5. 
CC^ ^«C<« ( 

CC <;% 

CO «c 
CC^ c<C/ . ■ 

cc c <^c 

etc ccc 
cc c «& 

cc c <~ 

■ <^S££ 

. cc c • 1 



V@cc3B: ^ ^ ^ c c & 
yh c c c c cc c c 

ih?k c e^( cc c *: 

O c cc c 

re r 



CCC'C *CvC«X C C 
CC C C-Cu C c 

cccc €«•«<* c< c 



CX c ^ 

ccc c 
cc c c 

cc c <■ 

CC C < 
CC C « 



r cc cc c c' cc Cc I 

f - rf cc C c CCC <L c CO 

-C Vb v r «^ c c c c ^r «r . re <c« 



-3 CCcc 

pc cc cc 

*S <*? /A 

<cc cc cc 

ccc cc cc 

<CX ccc 5 c 

CCC CC CIC; 

CCC iCC CC 

cc m CC 

cc " ■« CC 

t< «3s XSL CC 

C CC 

<c , .. .. <g< 

rV< cc' c<£ C 

re C Cc ccc ^ 

K .« Co 
n 

C ' ; >?1 

cjc ' St J 

dC *** 

CSC ^ 

CC V 

(^ . «, a <Lk 

CC 
c <3C 

■ • cc .'< ri 
:¥; , .' c 



c cc 

c cc * r - 

c «cc 
^ CC 

Cc 



<L< CC <c 

<: c cc cc 
cccc c 
cccc c 
cc cc c 
cc cc c 

CC CC c C 
Cc cc c C 
cc cc c c 

cccc cc: 



CCCC ccC c 

C< cc < . C * 

CCCC CC c 

CCC c c 

Cc CC C ' 



cc cc ■• 
CcC < 

CCcC CC i 
CcC CC < 
Cc CC C C 
cccc C C ■ 

mc 'cc^ 

Cc (C C C 

CCcC- -C C^ 

CCCC C C; 
cccc «C ^L 
cccc C ^1 

c <c c ^: 

~. c<c c <r~ 
- c c c -^ 

eve c <r 
cc< 1 c c: 

" c:<c -cc c 

L cere -C - «K 

C c f<Ct( 



^d ■. < c 
c^ <" < ■ < 

c 



_.C- cc« 



C C CC C 

c c ccc 

C c cTCc 

c c cc: c 



_C C C eCC 

: c c c CCC 

ICCCccc 

cccc cc 
CCCC cc 
<: c cc c c 
CCCC CC 



CccC C C 
CCCC c c 
CCC cc 
cccc cc 
CCC cc 
•cccc cc 
Cc C C C 
CcC CC 



^r" \i t «ix C c ' C C 

C -'- '■■f'C c C 

<1 c ■ C C 

c c < 

<?« ci CcC * 

«J>,:; c^ CcC f 

4T^'«t C c C '« 

cc cS c 5 

C C c C C 

c c c 

cc c • 

>c< c: c< c 

1 CCc ^ 

C ^ c c 

cc< 
: c crc 51 

r C'Cc* 
CCC 



' Cccc < 
CCCtf < 
> cccc ■■ 



^cc 

^^C CC cC 

cccc CCC 

CGCC c c 
Ccc C jCCC 

cccc cc 



cccc 
cc 

cccc 

CCCC 

CCC 
Cc CC 

cccc 
cccc 
cc cc 

CCC 
cc<c 
cr: c 
c cc 

- C c 
( c 



c c 
c c 

^ *c 
c <: 



CSC e"c« 



C4 

ex <lc 

I ! cc 



CCC cc 
c c cc 

CccC ^ 
CcC 

CC<C 
CCC ' 
Cc < C 

CCC < 

cc c 

ccc ^ 

: cccc ^ 

r: cccc c 
r cccc c 

ci c C? 

r cccc c- 

" cc 

- cc CC ■ 

C CC C 

catiC «. 
CCC 

- ccc; 

c 

' CCC 

c C 

C' C 




CENTENNIAL HISTORY 




POLK COUNTY, 



NEBRASKA, 



PKF.PARK.D 1!V 



HON. A. NANCE, 



AND READ AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN 



OSCEOLA, 



J U LY 4th, 18 7 6 




OSCEOLA RECORD PRINT. 



1876. 




(5 

CENTENNIAL HISTORY 

OF 

POLK COUNTY, 

NEBRASKA, 



PREPARED HI 



HON. A. NANCE, 

AND READ AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN 

OSCEOLA, 

JULY 4th, 1876. 



S^ 



(fit 



OSCEOLA RECORD PRINT. 

1876. 
ft 






*>S 



COUNTY DIRECTORY. 



Amon Steever, ) 
John Van Horn, )■ 
John G. Mickey, J 
John H. Mickey, 
John P. Heald, - 
James W. Snider, 
John B. Mitchell, - 
Samuel Gr. Pheasant 
Anson Gr. Sherwood, 
S. 0. Whaley, - 



County < 'ommissioners. 

County Treasurer. 

County Cleric. 

( 'ounty Judge. 

( 'ounty Superintendent. 

Sheriff. 

( 'ounty Surveyor. 

< 'oroner. 



The following Historical Sketch of Polk County was delivered by 
Hon. A. Nance, member of the Nebraska Legislature from this county, 
at the request of the citizens of Polk County, assembled at Osceola, June 
10th, 1876. The undersigned were appointed as a committee, by citizens 
of Polk County, Neb., at the Centennial Celebration held on the 4th of 
July, 1876, at Osceola, to take measures to have this Historical Sketch 
published, and we hereby certify that the statements therein contained 
are reliable and trustworthy, and that said History is a truthful and 
correct statement of the origin and development of our County. 

L. Headstkom:, ) 
Calmar McCune, >• Committee. 
David Foy. ) 

Osceola, Neb., July 4th, 1876. 



CENTENNIAL HISTORY 

OF 

POLK COUNTY, NEBRASKA 

PREPARED BY 

Hon. A. Nance, 



EEAD AT THE CELEBRATION IN OSCEOLA, 

vTTTX/Y- 4, 1876. 



Polk county, Nebraska, is the fourth, county west 
of the Missouri river, and is bounded as follows : 

On the north by the Platte river ; on the east by 
Butler county ; on the south by the county of York ; 
on the west by the Platte river and Hamilton coun- 
ty. It comprises about 450 square miles in extent, 
making in all nearly 288,000 acres of land suscepti- 
ble of cultivation. 

The county was originally a part of Butler county, 
but by act of Legislature the county of Polk was in- 
cluded within its present boundaries. 

By order of His Excellency David Butler, Gov- 
ernor of the State of Nebraska, a special election 
was ordered to be holden in Polk county, on the 6th 
day of August, A. D., 1870, for the purpose of elect- 
ing officers, and the following-named persons were 
selected : 

For County Commissioners— S. Stone, C. A. Ew- 
ing, Jonathan Crockett. 

County Clerk — Frank Reardon. 

Probate Judge — James Query. 

County Treasurer — John H. Mickey. 

Sheriff — Ole Bredesor. 

The records of the county show that the total value 
of personal property in the county at this time 
amounted to six thousand nine hundred and sixty 
dollars ($6,960). John H. Mickey made the first 
assessment, and his territory included the whole 
county. 

The county-seat of the county was located in Au- 
gust, A. D. 1870, on the south half of the northeast 
quarter and north half southeast quarter of section 
twenty-four (24), town fourteen (14) north, range 
two (2) west, and the county's capital was named 
Osceola. 



On the 14th day of December, 1870, F. M. Stone 
was appointed County Surveyor, and John Fox 
County Superintendent of Schools, thus making a 
full board of county officials. 

Also, at the same time, the county was divided 
into two precincts — Hackberry and Clear Creek. 
The division was made as follows : 

Hackberry Precinct — To extend from the south 
line of the county to the center of township four- 
teen (14) in said county, and embracing all lands 
from the eastern to the western line of the same. 

Clear Creek Precinct— To extend from the center 
line of township fourteen (14) to the northern line 
of the county, and embracing all lands from the 
eastern to the western line of said county. 

In the month of April, A. D. 1871, it was ordered 
by the County Commissioners that another precinct 
be f ornied on the west side of said county, de- 
scribed as follows: " Said precinct to embrace all 
Ian ds lying west of the center line of range three 
(3), and beginning at the south line of the county 
and extending to the northern boundary of the 
sahne, said division to be known as Platte precinct." 

In the months of August and September the ques- 
tion of the removal of the county seat began to be 
agitated throughout the county, and the County 
Commissioners submitted the question of such re- 
moval to be voted upon the 10th day of October, 
A. D., 1871. m 

Section nineteen (19), township fifteen (15) north, 
of range two (2) west, and section sixteen (16), town- 
ship fourteen (14) north, of range two (2) west, were 
the contesting points. After a heated and exciting 
election the latter location was selected by a ma- 
jority of fourteen (14) votes, and on the 14th day of 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



October, 1871, the County Commissioners issued 
their proclamation declaring said county seat 
located on the southeast quarter of section sixteen 
(16), township fourteen (14) north, of range two (2) 
west. Messrs. Frank Reardon, John H. Mickey and 
M. W. Stone were appointed a committee to select 
forty (40) acres of land out of the aforesaid tract, 
who located the county seat on its present site. 

On the 16th day of November, A. D., 1871, the 
County Commissioners advertised for bids for the 
construction of a Court House for the county, to be 
erected at some point to be designated by said 
board on the southeast quarter of section sixteen 
(16), township fourteen (14) north, of range two (2) 
west. The contract for building the Court House 
was awarded to M. W. Stone, who completed said 
building, and it was accepted by the Board of 
County Commissioners March 20, 1872. 

While we have thus traced the progress of the 
county, from its foundation up to its full and com- 
plete organization and location of its capital, we 
will now endeavor to record in as faithful and im- 
partial a manner as possible the natural features of 
the county, its soil, climate, social and educational 
privileges, and, as nearly as practicable, all that 
has made "little Polk" the peer of any county of 
like age in the State of Nebraska. 

STEEAMS. 

The Platte river, which forms the northern 
boundary of the county, averages about three- 
fourths (%) of a mile in width, and, although not 
navigable, will afford in the near future, if properly 
applied and utilized, an exceUent mill and manufac- 
turing power. It is also watered by Clear creek, a 
beautiful stream, abounding in fish of various 
species, which also affords some facilities for mill- 
power. The southern part of the county is trav- 
ersed nearly its entire length by Blue river and its 
numerous tributaries, making Polk county one of 
best-watered in the State. 

TIMBER. 

The Platte and Blue rivers are skirted by numer- 
ous groves of timber, among which the walnut, Cot- 
tonwood, hackberry, box elder and ash are the most 
numerous varieties, 

NATURAL FEATURES, SOIL, ETC. 

The land lying along the Platte river in the valley 
proper is very fertile, except that immediately con- 
tiguous to the stream, wbich is sandy and better 
adapted to grazing than agriculture. The soil one 
mile distant from the river averages from one foot 
to seven feet in depth. It is a rich black loam, con- 
takiing a small proportion of sand, and is uniforji 
throughout the county. The lands in the Blue 
river valley are of the same nature of those of the 
Platte, with the exception that they are adapted to 
agriculture to the water's edge. 

Tne uplands of the county comprise about three- 
fourths (%) of its entire area, and are exceedingly 



fertile. The soil is a black loam, from two to four 
feet in depth. The lands throughout the county 
are gently undulating, without any abrupt breaks 
and hollows, and can be made a fit home for the 
agriculturist with as great ease as any portion of the 
State. 

PRODUCTS. 

The principal products are corn, wheat, oats, bar- 
ley, rye and flax. The yield of these cereals is 
often enormous, and In quality cannot be excelled 
anywhere. Wheat averages from 18 to 30 bushels 
per acre. Corn, 50 to 100. Oats, 60 to 75. Barley, 
40 to 75. Eye, 25 to 40, and flax, 15 to 25 bushels to 
the acre. The labor required to produce these 
crops is not near that demanded in the older 
States, and large yields are assured many years 
without any apparent exhaustion of the soil. 

CLIMATE. 

The climate cannot be surpassed anywhere in the 
United States in general healthfulness. The air is 
pure, dry and bracing, and is full of life-giving 
properties. 

Invalids and health-seekers from the East have 
in a great majority of cases been restored to per- 
fect health, and all have experienced relief from 
the vivifying and health-restoring influences of our 
magnificent climate. Especially those suffering 
malarial, pulmonary and throat diseases are bene- 
fited, and it will soon be generally known that 
health as well as wealth and piosperity can be ob- 
tained in our county. 

MINERAL DISCOVERIES. 

No valuable minerals have as yet been found in 
the county, although "coal blossom" has been dis- 
covered in different localities at a depth ranging 
from 30 to 60 feet. 

Further and more complete investigation will 
undoubtedly prove that coal exists in large quan- 
tities. 

POPULATION. 

The predominant population is native-born, al- 
though Sweden, Germany and Canada are well 
represented. 

Particular attention is invited to the Swedish 
colony mainly established by Lewis Headstrom, 
Esq., in the western part of the county, with the 
town of Stromsburg as its chief trading point. Our 
Swedish settlers are among the most energetic and 
industrious of our citizens in improving and build- 
ing up our young county and advancing its material 
interests. 

The Canadian settlers, who are mostly settled in 
what is known as Canada precinct, in the eastern 
part of the county, have shown, by their well-kept 
and well-ordered homes and farms, that upon them 
the beneficence of the General Government has been 
worthily bestowed. 

Our German fellow-citizens have carried into prac- 
tice their proverbial thrift and economy, and have 
played an important part in placing our county 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



where she is, in progress and advancement behind 
none in the State. 

The native-bora population of the county are , al- 
most without exception, emigrants from the East- 
ern States, from whence they came to secure free 
homes for themselves and their children. 

Of this class a large majority belong to " Uncle 
Sam's boys in blue," who kept step to the music of 
the Union in those troublous "times that tried 
men's souls." 

Our native-born citizens are, almost without ex- 
ception, energetic, self-reliant, industrious, and, in 
short, just such a class as we need to make our 
county the foremost in the State, if not in the 
United States. 

EDUCATION. 

In common with the rest of the State, Polk county 
is blessed with an excellent educational system. 
The State having set apart two sections of land in 
each township, Polk county's share of this munifi- 
cent endowment would amount to about sixteen 
thousand (16,000) acres. Her people have evinced a 
determination, by their acts, to preserve this heri- 
tage for their childreu until it shall become a mag- 
nificent endowment indeed. In 1870, when the 
county was organized, the people were destitute of 
educational advantages, but with commendable 
energy and enterprise they went to work to supply 
the deficiency, and the result is seen in our midst. 

Fine school-houses, with the most improved fur- 
niture and apparatus, meet the eye on every hand. 
A skillful and experienced corps of teachers impart 
knowledge to the young Nebraskian, and direct his 
feet in the path of knowledge. Select, if you will, 
any county in the Eastern Slates, and our county 
will equal, if not surpass it in the advantages given 
to the youth in the matter of education. At no dis- 
tant day will follow seminaries, colleges and high 
schools of learning, for with such a brilliant present 
what cannot we expect in the future ? 

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 

While the people of Polk county have been alive 
to their educational interests, religious matters 
have not been neglected. Already, in many parts 
of the county, fine and substantial church edifices 
have been erected, and more are in prospect. 
There is not a precinct in the county in which there 
are not one or more church organizations alive and 
progressive, laboring with unabated zeal for the 
moral and spiritual advancement of themselves and 
their fellow-citizens. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The first newspajjer in the county, called the 
Polk County Times, W. D. Ferree, editor, was estab- 
lished at Stromsburg in the summer of 1872. It 
was short-lived, however, only about six months 
elapsing before its final demise. The Osceola 
Homesteader was established a few weeks later by 
the Osceola Printing Company, at Osceola, H. T. 
Arnold, editor. The paper was Republican in poli- 



tics, and ably edited. It changed hands several 
times, the following-named gentlemen having filled 
its editorial chair successively : M. E. Crookham, 
Frank P. Burgess, W. F. Kimmel and Calmar Mc- 
Cune. The paper did much to instruct and en- 
lighten the people in various ways, and was a very 
efficient medium in advertising and calling atten- 
tion to the attractions and desirableness of Polk 
county as a location for those desiring to seek a 
home in the " Far West." In January 1876, S. F. 
Fleharty took charge of the paper, and thus became 
its centennial editor. Its name was changed to that 
of " The Osceola Record," and under the man- 
agement of its editor it has become one of the leading 
papers of the State. The Record has a circulation 
of nearly 600, and its subscription list is rapidly in- 
creasing. 

GRASSHOPPERS. 

It might be proper to refer here to the crisis that 
Polk county passed through in the year 1874, famil- 
iarly known as "graBsnopper year." We had a tre- 
mendous rush of immigration into our county in 
1873 and the spring of 1874, and as a consequence 
this class of settlers were nearly destitute, having 
expended their all in preparing their farms for the 
next season. The oldest settlers among us had no 
surplus of grain of any considerable amount to de- 
pend upon, so that oif situation wa3 ex- 
ceedingly critical. The grasshopper pests 
had destroyed all the corn, the oats nearly 
so, and the wheat was materially injured. 

In the fall of 1874 a County Aid Society was or- 
ganized, with Lee K. McGaw, President ; John A. 
Beltzer, Secretary. This society did s vast amount 
of good and alleviated much suffering. Very few 
of the settlers left the county, and the large ma- 
jority of those who did soon saw " the error of their 
way," and returned in a short time. Our people, 
during this trying period, displayed more than ordi- 
nary heroism, and are now enjoying the fruits of 
their patience and self-denial exercised at this criti- 
cal time. 

INDIVIDUAL PROSPERITY. 

We herewith append a few instances of what in- 
dividual enterprise backed up with the almost un- 
limited resources of our county may accomplish : 

R. O. D. Cummings settled in Canada Precinct in 
the spring of 1871, and took up a Government home- 
stead of 160 acres, without a team, with hardly a 
dollar, and with nothing btit a clear brain and a 
pair of willing hands. He passed through the try- 
ing " grasshopper year," kept out of debt, and has 
the following to show for his perseverance : Fifty- 
six acres under a high state of cultivation, a good 
and substantial house, an artificial grove of six 
acres of forest trees, among which may be found 
walnut, catalpa, box elder, ash, and other valuable 
| varieties. Mr. Cun mings is now the fortunate pos- 
sessor of this beautiful home, and is not in debt to 
exceed $20. 



10 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



Cyrus Garwood, a settled in the same vicinity, 
came into the county in the spring of 1873, with a 
team and about $700 in money. Mr. Garwood expend- 
ed|most of his money in putting up a frame house and 
making other necessary improvements. He suc- 
ceeded in breaking but a small portion of his home- 
stead in the spring of 1873, and in 1874 his crops 
were all destroyed by the grasshoppers, with the 
exception of a little wheat. Mr. Garwood had a 
wife and four children to support, and the future 
looked exceedingly dark. But he now Has a beauti- 
ful farm of 160 acres, over one-half of which is im- 
proved, a splendid grove of over three acres of for- 
est trees, and set out nearly an acre this spring. 
He is in debt not to exceed $100, and thinks tbat 
Nebraska, and especially Polk county, is the proper 
place for a man to emigrate to and not from. 

Alexander Shank, of Platte precinct, affords an- 
other bright example of what may be done in Polk 
county, by foresight, industry and energy. Mr 
Shank has a large family, a wife and seven chil- 
dren, and came into the precinct with scarcely 
a dollar. He made settlement in the county in the 
winter of 1871, and the next spring went to work, 
having had barely enough money to support his 
family through the winter. He has 160 acres of 
land under cultivation, a fair house, two good 
teams, a large number of hogs, and between fifty 
and sixty head of cattle, and is out of debt. 

George W. Cadwell, of same precinct, also has a 
good record to exhibit. He settled in the precinct 
in 1872, and had a team but no money. By close 
economy and untiring industry, however, he man- 
aged to struggle along, and is now the possessor of 
as fine a quarter section of land as there is in the 
county, with nearly one-half of it improved ; has a 
good frame house, quite a number of cattle and is 
out of debt. 

While there are dozens of such instances through- 
out the county, we have not been able to interview 
the parties and make statements concerning their 
progress. However, if we should attempt to record 
them all, the pen of the historian would tell such an 
amount of truth of the almost fabulous individual 
progress of our citizens as would amaze our steady, 
slow-going Eastern friends, if not the world. 

In writing this history numerous details have to 
be entered into, and to secure this object, and for 
greater accuracy, the nine (9) voting precincts in the 
county will be separately and briefly considered : 

HACKBERRY PRECINCT. 

Hackberry precinct is the oldest and most popu- 
lous in the county. The Blue river runs through it 
from east to west, and is heavily timbered. Thomas 
Conolly has the honor of being the first settler in 
the precinct, if not the first in the county. He made 
settlement in 1867, and was followed shortly after by 
Albert Seaver. The next year (1868) Mr. John Pat- 
terson and wile, with their sons— Richard, James and 
William— James Clark, John H. Mickey, and W. W. 



Maxwell made settlement. In 1869 Messrs. James 
Query and V. P. Davis settled on what is now known 
as Davis Creek, this creek taking its name from Mr. 
Davis. 

The first child born in the precinct, and, in fact, 
in the county, was Edgar Roberts, son of Mrs. Lou- 
isa Roberts, born Nov. 30, 1868. 

School District No. 1 was organized in 1871 with 
38 scholars ; John A. Giffin teacher. Members of 
School Board: T. W. Blake, Moderator; James 
Clark, Director, and John H. Mickey, Treasurer. 

In the fall of 1872 and winter of 1873 the Metho- 
dists organized the first church, under the charge 
of Rev. James Query, Polk county's pioneer preacher. 
The membership is quite large, and rapidly in- 
creasing. In the winter of 1873-4 the Church of 
God was organized in the Hoffer settlement, as it is 
called, with a membership of 30 ; pastor, Rev. Mr. 
Warner. In the spring of 1876, Rev. Mr. Earnhart, 
a Baptist minister, organized a church with a mem- 
bership of nearly thirty. 

Wayland postofnce is located in the southern part 
of the precinct ; Kinsey Michener, Postmaster. 

At the end of the year 1871 less than 100 acres of 
land was under cultivation ; in 1876, nearly 10,000. 
Natural timber, about 600 acres, mostly along Blue 
river ; about 200 acres of artificial. 

Population in 1871, 30 ; in 1876, 512. 

ISLAND PRECINCT. 

Island precinct lies in the northeastern part of 
the county, and is so named from its being located 
between the two channels of the Platte river. Mr. 
Bouker Beebe was the first person who made a set- 
tlement in the precinct, which was in the summer 
of 1870. Tn the spring of 1871, Rudolph Kummer, 
H. M. Mills, M. D., William Ihornas, Henry Au- 
gustine, and Alex. T. Simmons made settlement, 
took Government claims, and went to improving 
them. 

The first school district organized was No. 17, 
with Miss Jennie Osterhaut as teacher. The 
School Board was composed of the following-named 
gentlemen: Win. Thomas, Director; Rudolph 
Kummer, Moderator, and H. M. Mills, Treasurer. 

Seventy-five acres of land were under cultivation 
at the end of the year 1871, while in 1876 over 5,500 
acres were under improvement. There are about 30 
acres of natural timber in the precinct, and at pres- 
ent about 100 acres of artificial timber have been put 
out by the settlers. 

There is no postoffice in the precinct. Present 
population, 167. 

CLEAR CREEK PRECINCT. 

Clear Creek precinct derives its name from a 
beautiful stream of the same name that runs 
through the northern part of it from west to east. 

The first settlers in the Precinct were Geo. D. 
Grant. G. E. Barnum, Guy C. Barnum, and Levi 
Kimball, who all came in about the same time. 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



11 



G. D. Grant settled upon the railroad land, while the 
Barn urns and Levi Kimball took pre-emption claims. 

The first school district organized was district No. 
4, in the year 1871. The school house was not built 
until the spring of 1872. The district had fourteen 
scholars ; Miss Vandercoff was its first teacher. At 
the organization, the following-named gentlemen 
were elected to serve on the School Board : John 
Morrow, Alexander Munro, and John McPheeters. 

Only about ninety acres of land were under culti- 
vation at the end of the year 1871, and, at present, 
about 2,970 acres are responding to the labor of the 
husbandman. From the best data we are able to 
procure, there are about fifteen acres of nahiral tim- 
ber in the precinct, while of artificial timber there 
are about sixty acres. There is one postoffice in the 
precinct, Redviile, and it is on the mail route from 
Osceola to Columbus. Remy Miller, present Post- 
master. 

Population, 1876 : 253. 

CANADA PRECINCT. 

Canada precinct is one of the largest, in extent, in 
the county, and is one of the best improved. 

To James W. Snider should be accorded the 
honor of making the first settlement in the pre- 
cinct, which he did in the spring of 1871. Closely 
following him was Peter Bull, William Jarmin, 
George Bull and family, S. O. Whaley, M. H. 
Whaley, J. A. Palmer, Kufus Burrett, Wm. Fosben- 
der, H. W. Chase, M. W. Stone and D. D. Bramer. 
Number fourteen (14), the first school district, or- 
ganized with twenty-six scholars. Members of first 
School Board, Stephen Bull, James Mackie and 
George Bull. Cyclone postoffice was established in 
1873, Albert Cowles, Postmaster. Pvev. Mr. White- 
head organized in the fall of 1873 a Methodist Church 
at what is known as the Burley School House. A 
building was constructed by this organization in 
the spring of 1876, called Wesley Chapel. The 
number of acres of land under cultivation at the 
end of 1871 did not exceed 100 acres. The present 
number of acres in this our centennial year are about 
9,000 acres. There is no natural timber in the 
precinct whatever. By the industry and enterprise 
of the settlers it is estimated that there are 300 
acres of artificial timber. 

Population in 1871 about twenty. Present popu- 
lation 393. 

OSCEOLA PRECINCT. 

The precinct of Osceola derives its name from the 
county seat of the county, and is one of the most 
populous precincts in the county. James Query 
and V. P. Davis, with their families, made settle- 
ment in October, 1868. H. C. Query came in In the 
year 1869, and among other settlers may be men- 
tioned J. R. Stewart, George Kerr, John A. Beltzer, 
Henry Hildebrand, George W. Kenyon, J. F. Camp- 
bell, Wm. Query, Lumin Van Hoosen, H. T. Arnold 
and others. 

The town of Osceola was located at a general elec- 



tion in 1871, on the southeast J£ of section 16, town 
ship fourteen (14) north, of range two (2), west. The 
town site was purchased in June, 1872, by Messrs. 
W. F. Kimmel and John H. Mickey. These gentle- 
men surveyed and platted the town in the same 
month. The first building erected in the town was 
the Court House, which was completed in January, 
1872. The second building was the store of W. H. 
Waters, built in May, 1872. In October of the same 
year Wm. F. Kimmel and John H. Mickey built the 
first residences, and in December, 1872, the school 
house was built. The town has a population of 
between 100 and 200, and is rapidly increasing. 
Nearly every branch of business is represented, 
among which may be mentioned 2 hotels, 3 dry- 
goods stores, 2 agricultural implement establish- 
ments, 1 hardware store, 1 drug store, shoe-shop, 
harness shop, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 wagon shop. 
Of the professions the town has 1 attorney 3 physi- 
cians, and 2 clergymen. The office of the Osceola 
Record is established and has very materially aided 
in advancing the interests of the town and county. 

The first child born in Osceola was Evan Mickey, 
son of John H. and Morinda Mickey, January 26 r 
1874. 

The Metnodist Episcopal Church was organized 
in 1872, with L. F. Whitehead as pastor, and with a 
membership of seven. Their present number is 
about ninety. Present pastor, J. Q. A. Fleharty. 

The Congregational Church was organized in Oc- 
tober, 1872. Pastor, C. C. Humphrey. Member- 
ship sixteen at organization. Present membership 
largely increased. Rev. Sinion Barrows present 
pastor. 

At the end of the year 1871 not over fifty acres of 
land were under cultivation. It is estimated that 
at present over 9,000 acres are being cultivated. 

The postoffice at Osceola was established in 1872, 
William E. Loring, Postmaster. The office he held 
at his residence. Osceola was the terminus of the 
mail route from Lincoln via Ulysses, and the ser- 
vice thereon was once a week. 

Most of the natural timber in the precinct is 
found along Davis creek, and comprises about five 
acres. Of artificial timber now growing there are 
about 300 acres. 

Present population, according to census of 1876, 
473. 

SIBOMSBUEG PRECINCT. 

The first settler in the precinct was Wm. H. 
Records, who made settlement in the fall of 1869. 
B. F. Smith, Thomas Records, J. P. Smith, A. P. 
Buckley, P. T. Buckley, J. C. Smith and A. L. Lar- 
son made settlement early in the spring of 1870. 

The town of Stromsburg was located and sur- 
veyed, in the summer of 1872, by Lewis Headstrom, 
wbo acted under the instructions of the Stromsburg 
Town Company. The first building in the town 
was erected in the fall of 1S72, but was not occupied 
until the winter of 1873. 



12 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



Nearly everything in the business line is repre- 
sented, and the town enjoys a large and lucrative 
trade from the surrounding country. The present 
population is about 100, and increasing rapidly. 

The first school district organized was District No. 
Ten (10), in the winter of 1872, Mr. J. A. Palmer, 
teacher. Number of scholars in school six (6). 
Messrs. J. P. Smith, Thos. Records and Wm. A. 
Shoemaker were members of the first school board. 
There are now six (6) school districts in the pre- 
cinct, with a total of 180 scholars. 

The first church organization was formed in the 
summer of 1873 ; denomination Baptist, wiih an 
original membership of fifteen (15). The present 
membership is seventy-three (73). Charles Lund- 
gren was the first pastor. 

The second church organized was the Lutheran, 
which was formed in the fall of 1874, J. Lundberg, 
pastor. This denomination has a membership of 
about 30. 

The Congregational Church of Pleasant Prairie in 
this precinct was organized in the fall of 1873, with 
a membership of seven (7). Rev. Simon Barrows, 
pastor. This church has largely increased in num- 
bers, and is in a flourishing condition. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church formed a society 
of considerable numbers during the winter of 
1875-'76. Rev. Mr. Brannon, pastor. 

The Baptists and Lutherans have each a church 
building worth together over $3,000. 

In the year 1871 about fifteen acres of prairie 
were under cultivation. At present 8,386 acres. 

The first postofflce was established in Stronisburg 
in the winter of 1873. J. C. Smith, Postmaster. 

There are about fifteen acres of natural timber in 
the precinct, - principally found along Blue river. 
There are at present 500 acres of artificial timber in 
the precinct. 

Total popvlation of the precinct, according to cen- 
sus of 1876, 559. 

PLEASANT HOME PRECINCT. 

Pleasant Home precinct is in the southwestern 
part of the county, and S. C. Davis has the honor of 
being its first settler. He came into the county the 
29th of October, 1870. Shortly after Milo Barber, 
William Maston, J. N. Nickell, John and Henry 
Maity, J. D. Darrow and J. N. Skelton made settle- 
ment. 

In the fall of 1872 School District No. 6 was or- 
ganized with fifteen scholars. Jay N. Skelton, 
teacher. The members of the School Board were 
C. J. Doremus, J. N. Nickell and S. C. Davis. 

In the summer of 1872 Pleasant Home Postofflce 
was established, with S. C. Davis as Postmaster. 

The United Brethren was the first church to form 
an organization, which they did in the fall of 1872, 
with a membership of four. Henry Spafford was 
their pastor. Their present membership is about 
thirty-four. 

The Methodists, in the fall of 1875, organized 



with E. J. Hancock as pastor, membership about 
twenty. 

There is also an organization of Adventists, with 
a membership of fourteen ; Rev. Mr. Boyd, pastor. 

During the year 1871 about sixty-five acres of 
prairie was broken. At present between 5,000 and 
6,000 acres. 

There is no natural timber of any account in the 
precinct. Between 350 and 400 acres of artificial 
timber. 

Present population of the precinct, 420. 

PLATTE PRECINCT. 

The precinct of Platte derives its name from 
Platte river, and is situated in the northern part of 
the county. 

Messrs. P. C. King and W. T. Dodge took Govern- 
ment claims in March, 1871, and Messrs. Guy, Faus- 
tus and James Beebe in April following. J. A. 
Powers and A. G. Sherwood, Geo. W. Cadwell, Oli- 
ver Scott, and others, came in shortly after. 

School District No. 7 was organized in the fall of 

1871, although the school house was not built until 

1872. The school consisted of eight scholars, John P. 
Heald, teacher. 

The School Board consisted of the following gen- 
tlemen : Moderator, Guy Beeb6 ; Director, John 
Lohr ; Treasurer, Oliver Scott. 

The first postoffice in the precinct was established 
at Thornton, in August, 1874, J. N. Hurd, Post- 
master, who is still in charge of the office. 

The first church organized was that of the United 
Brethren, with a membership of six. The organiz- 
ation was made in December, 1872, Hemy Spafford, 
pastor. 

A Methodist organization was effected in March, 
1875, with a membership of eleven. Present mem- 
bership nearly doubled. First Pastor, E. J.Han- 
cock. 

The Lutheran Church (Swede) organized a few 
months since, and has quite a large membership. 
This denomination is now building a church in the 
southeastern part of the precinct. 

Number of acres of prairie under cultivation at 
the end of the year 1875, 47 ; number of acres now 
under cultivation, 3,350. 

There is but little natural timber in the precinct ; 
what there is consisting of willows and small brush, 
growing along Platte river. 

There are about eignty (80) acres of artificial tim- 
bar in the precinct. 

Present population, 250. 

VALLEY PRECINCT. 

The first settler in Valley precinct was B. H. 
Keller, who made settlement in the spring of 1871. 
Charles R. Clark, J. W. Sheldon, Levi Kelley and 
James Bell came in about the same time. 

W. B. Daymude, James Harmon, William Stevens, 
D. 0. Place, Andreas Horst, John and Joseph Cur- 
ran, M. C. Stull, John Benson, Collin and Robert 



Centennial History of Polk County, Nebraska. 



13 



Beebe and Thomas Clark were among the first 
settlers. 

The first school district organized was Number 
Five (5), in June, 1871, with James Bell as teacher. 
Members of School Board— James Harmon, Mod- 
er ator ; James Bell, Director ; and William Stevens 
Treasurer. 

The first church organized was the Methodist ; 
Rev. Mr. Whitehead, pastor. Original member- 
ship, 7. 

At the end of the year 1871, there was less than 
200 acres of prairie under cultivation. At present, 
over 9,000 acres. 

Number of acres of natural timber, 100; arti- 
ficial timber, 80 acres. 

Population, 1871 20 

Population, 1876 326 

RECAPITULATION. 

Number of people in the county at the end of 

year 1870 , 4.. 90 

In 1876 3,353 

Increase 3,263 

Percentage of increase, 6 years 3,625 per cent. 

Average increase per year 604 per cent. 

Number of scholars in county, 1871 120 

In 1876 1,141 

Increase 1,021 

Percentage of increase, 5 years 850 per cent. 

Average increase per year 170 per cent. 



Number of acres of prairie broken at the end 

of year 1871 7±2 

In 1876 53,906 

Increase, 5 years 53,164 

Value of school property, 1871 $ 800 

Value of school property, 1870 15,142 

Increase 5 years $14,342 

Acres of natnral timber, 1871 785 

Acres of natural timber, 1876 same 

Acres of artificial timber, 1871 none 

Acres of artificial timber, 1876 2,020 

Valuation of persoual property, 1871 $ 6,960.00 

Valuation of personal property, 1876 195,454.60 

Total valuation of real and personal prop- 
erty, 1876 $810,236.00 

We ha.ve thus detailed as correctly and in as re- 
liable a manner as possible the historv of Polk 
county, from her formation to the year 1876, the 
centennial year of the nation. 

Our progress, although it has been marvelously 
rapid, has nevertheless been solid and substantial. 
We, or those who may come after us, need have no 
cause to be ashamed cf the origin and development 
of our county, as exhibited in her advancement of 
the past five years. 

That the next centennial year of the republic may 
see Polk county in the front rank aDd the peer of 
any in the State, in civilization, culture, wealth and 
refinement, as she is to-day, is the wish of your 
historian. 



APPENDIX. 



We herewith append as items of interest to those contemplating emi- 
gration, a few facts in regard to lands, wages of mechanics, prices, etc. 

LAND. 

There is some Government Land in the county, but the choicest tracts 
have been occupied. 

Three classes of Government claims can be taken — Homestead, Pre- 
emption and Timber claims. 

Eighty (80) acres can be taken as Homestead by any citizen of the 
United States, or one who has declared his intention to become such, and 
one hundred and sixty (160) acres by any person who has been in the mili- 
tary service of the United States 90 days during the rebellion. Govern- 
ment fees $14.00 and $18.00 respectively. Pre-emption claims consist 
of 160 acres and must be paid for at the rate of $2.50 per acre. Any 
person above the age of 21 years, can enter 160 acres as a Timber Culture 
claim upon setting out 40 acres of forest trees on the tract so taken, and 
at the end of ten years will receive a patent from the Government. 

All of these claims are exempt from taxation until a patent is received 
from the United States. 

Railroad lands can be purchased in the county at from $2.50 to $6.00 
per acre, according to location, on from 5 to 10 years time, with 6 per 
cent, interest. 

Lands can be bought from other parties at prices ranging from $3.00 
to $10.00 according to location, improvement, etc. 

Messrs. John H. Mickey and A. Nance of Osceola and Lewis Head- 
strom of Stromsburg, are agents for the sale of lands in the county. 

WAGES. 

Carpenters" washes are from $2.50 to $3.00 per day: Stone Masons" and 
Plasterers' $4.00 to $5.00 ; Painters' $2.50 to $4.00. Common labor is not 
very much in demand, as farmers, until their farms are more thoroughly 
improved, can do most of their own work. 

Farm labor commands from $16.00 to $22.00 per month and board. 
Day laborers from $1.00 to $1.50. 

PRICE LIST. 

Lumber $22.00 to $27.00. 

Lime $2.25 to $2.50. 

Brick $11.00 per M. 

Horses $200 to $300 per pair. 

Work Oxen $75.00 to $140 per yoke. 

Milch Cows $25.00 to $40.00. 

Groceries, Dry Goods, Furniture, etc. etc., are about the same in price as in the East. 




THE 




OSCEOLA RECORD 

is 
THE ONLY PAPER PUBLISHED 

IN 

POLK COUNTY, 

AND AFFORDS 

THE BEST POSSIBLE MEDIUM FOR ADVERTISING 

IN THIS LOCALITY. 



It furnishes FULL and DEFINITE INFORMATION concerning the 

resources of the County and its advantages as a 

location for those who desire to settle 

IN THE 

STAT E OF N E B R A S K A . 



SUBSCRIPTION TIMOR : 



$1 B 50 FE1 ANNUM, 




S. F. Fleharty, 

Editor (in (I Proprietor 




^$x 



c < 

xc 

:c < 

C cC 
hf «c 



, cC C *C CC „ 

Cc CXS-VS^S^ 



II 



fro 

occc 

«c r 



hoc 

-■JIT?-/' . 



^<CJCCJC 



^CccCCL 

^lccccc: 
«lXCcc<L 

«CCcC 



" cc 

CC u_ 

-^vS^ < ^c^crccccc 



crcc <C. c 



«o?c<c 

<l5C<L. 

<cc<: 



C CC C ; ( . 
C-rC CCCC 

:tC *t ■ «- co 

C<C <0 

<gc: «c <s . c 
cg?<c 

CCC ' 

: ccjC «C ' ' ! 
ccc jtc 

1 cc ^: c<a 

~ c c «C <<CC 

ZfCC CCg 
T(CC" C«C«C 



sepc 



. < ■ CK 
C<3 C?5 



•**»„CL' C>=- i 

fC^cc « c 
t^ccccc: f c 

r cc 
C ( c 

■ c C 

- <? <c 
~ c '<■ 

W£ c S 

<Xcc. ^.^ 



cV: « a c cx.cc 

cC ccc;cx cc ' 

<<si3ccrccc cc, 

fcC^CCC CC 

necc^ ccc cc 
^K^ccecr cc 

. H^ C (;C_Ct . <c 

^*r <0 C"CC cc 

i cc cc 

r'CC CCC CC' 

v.^«rcccc cc 
cc cc 

■ '.;<Ct;CCC.. a 

.. ' «rx ccc cc 

, C<k;c CCC CC 
" ' '-«ccccc -CC 

c • c-cc ccC : OC 

;: .^t ''CC ' cc 

' 'C 5-' > 



«2KC 'CCCCC 
•^'<C^-'CCCXC ; ; , 

-<L<C c cc CC 
^C«l .' : c/cCc 
-.<c>C «<-%^ 

,cc cCcC % 
,^-c -<:<c cc 



cC'C C 
Z ccc ' c <^ 

ccC: <C 

"cCCC ; 

IkZ'' 



ccc c cc 

ccc^ c cc 
c<s:_ C- SS 

ccc: .ci cc ; 

C5C <L ( :<C 



ccc. c^ 
cc c: 

cc $ 

> cc ^ 



cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 



-<c CCC 

K 

CC (CC 
(CC 

o CCC 

I c 
c 

! i .. ( 

( v.Ca 
'- ■ o> 

" 



cc 



c <c: 

C <L 



cc ^ 

■~rc"^c 
■;cc ^ 

c c 
J c ■ 

- c d: 



cm: CT- ^ - 

<3C ciCttG^! 

ClC ' : '$ ^^ ^C 

CC 

<3C 
i <3C "' <C C 

■ (C :^-- <C C. 



«r ^C 



cec<e <mc C®v 

gfcsL-cjQC c«c ^-2£ 



c <. <•■ 



:c o- < 

s v i C 



s£ i '-«c c ' <;: S , « 
«c ccc S-2& 5cc< c 



« C c «c 

'; c « CC <C ' ' 

; C ft C C < . < ' 

• c c <££ s 

c. cc 5: 

ccc c c« 

£££ if c c 

CCC OCC -C,s 

\<C OS c C c 



ac <CCt <- '■ tc 
-J^sT C • C< ( - ' 

r «ftS c; ^ r . ! 

«ccccccc< ^^ c ^ccc c- 



C V > >~. m c <f 



r'C( c«L <«.<■ CLC<c 
c V C ^ C^5 C 

fe < c c ccrce 

'(C «aCC CCCC 

c c CC5£ 



C C« 
C CC< c c c 

C CCCC^« 



.c CCV 

C cc ClC 5- 

C < <^ ^ 1c 

< c ccc 5 C 

<- e c« c 
e c <K S 



otic <c 

c<c c_. •£ 

c'tC. C 

C c C_ C 
CCCC' C 

(ECC C 



-C V CS- >>=■■ ]r^ rare C«x 



^c< crc-cctf 
rcccccc 

c « ^eecece 

-V ^ccccc 

c ccce cc 

^ccecc 
c cc cc 
ccc cc 



cc cc c<; 

ct € cccc ce 

rcc << «. -cc cc _55C 

nr i v ccce cc 

zc tec Q-<i:cc: e<^ 

*CC cc 
ccc ce 

t ^ ■«-• ^ <CC ,(C 

ic c c: e 

rcie c e <c ce 

n y.y * ' jar" ^r rar~<- .■ r t'' 



d C(CC'« 

ccccoc 

Ccrcp< 
c«cc^c 

C€'CC^C 



c CC: C« S r c 
Ccl€ <C« cc eve 






dc?c c:< «c 
®ie «e «e 

e-c «i.<c 

C3«C -C ' • 
C C 

CccC ' C '• 

ec «cc. ■ 

CCC CC" 

cc c 

C' ; c *acr.c ■ 
C'»C cc * 

c c 
~ c"fC - V C C « 

i C c ;C € 

■ c <-•:<: C • 

£ c CdC CC' 

r c c •<: ■ 

< «Z «E 

!C ^ 
C 



c 

-ccccC < 
ccc dC. 
.cccc. ■ <3 C 

-eci 

CCCC 

v ( cc 

; -c<cc d- 

! C <3i 

c C3 

C CL^i 

'£. ^ 

c 

C ' 






CGCC c 

C<C < 



CC CC ^ 

dC CC -.CC « 

CCCC CC 

CCCC cC 
Cc cC 'CC 
«rc c c c<fc<c 

CCcCc<C 

e 

: cc 

CCC « C<C 
TCC <^C 

^-^1 ft ; :C 

c «. c 

C ' « -'C 



C CCC C€ C cc C < 

C ccc ccc % c- c -e 

^V-'c C cl Cccc c: 
^t \ c:% . V ^ 

c ;-i- f ^ c ce ^ 

l^rccc <2 

<ecc c cc 

* cc 
ce 
cc 

? & c 



<ri '-cc_ 

C 'Cc 

c > ^ 

C-# 

cc< 

c 
c • 



CCCCC ft « .«L1, 

CCcs C ■ • CCC 
Cccc C •••■ . CCC 
CCC CC3C 
<2cccC< CCC 

cccc «tc«e 

CcC CC<C 

e cec ccc 

Ci.cc« ^S^ 
^^c.cC^C 
c c CCC 

- c ; .c C®^ - *^ 

c c ^jC: 

c « c 

■ c< 
c ,< 



113 

c C c ;■■-'< 
cc C C < 

c c ■ c c 

c c e ^ 

^ C e c 
" e e 
' c c 



c<?: c: C 



-C'> • <c c: «e «^'. c c gA 

- . -.c cr-cc c < 

( C«6C *t- ( 
CC< C^C-^IC 1 ' 



( C C'C- 

> cc 

C c c c 

r r CTC 



